Image forming apparatus in which images are stored in an external memory

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus is capable of reproducing a read image in combination with a format, without reading a format sheet every time. The format information is read from an external detachable memory, and is combined in the apparatus with the data read by an image reader.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/873,633filed Apr. 23, 1992, now abandoned, which in turn is a continuationapplication of Ser. No. 07/606,474 filed Oct. 30, 1990, now abandoned,which in turn is a continuation application of Ser. No. 07/290,637 filedDec. 27, 1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,827, issued Feb. 12, 1991.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming an image on arecording material, and more particularly to an image forming apparatuscapable of reading image data from an external recording medium andforming a corresponding image on the recording material.

2. Related Background Art

In the related field, there are already commercialized analog imageforming apparatus for optically scanning an original, equipped with aninverting mechanism for the recording sheet and capable of formingimages on both sides of the recording sheet or forming multiple imageson a side thereof by inverting or not inverting the sheet according tothe instruction of an operation unit.

Such apparatus has enabled one to obtain a preformatted image or imageson one side or both sides of the recording sheet by scanning a formatimage sheet, containing particular logos or charts consisting ofhorizontal and vertical lines. It is thus made possible to obtain a formoverlay image of a predetermined format and an original image, bytransferring the image of the original onto the predetermined format, byutilizing the above-mentioned sheet inverting mechanism.

However, in case of forming the format on the recording sheet by meansof the format image sheet as explained above, it is necessary to preparea format sheet and a corresponding original, and to conduct the exposureoperation twice before the final image is obtained, so that theoperation is quite complex.

Also the format sheet has to be exposed every time, so that the sheet isoften smeared or creased according to the frequency of use thereof andhas to be carefully stored and handled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In consideration of the foregoing, an object of the present invention isto provide an improved image forming apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image formingapparatus with improved operability.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imageforming apparatus capable of reproducing a desired image at any time,without scanning an original image.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imageforming apparatus capable of image formation utilizing an externalmemory medium storing format information.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imageforming apparatus capable of forming an image corresponding toinformation stored in an external memory medium and an image formed byscanning an original, on the same side or both side of a recordingmaterial.

The foregoing and still other objects of the present invention willbecome fully apparent from the following description to be taken inconjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an image forming apparatus embodyingthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an editor unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are respectively a perspective view and across-sectional view of an IC card unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are respectively a perspective view and across-sectional view of an administration unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4C is a block diagram thereof;

FIG. 5 is a plan view-of an operation unit of the main body shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system controller shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the function of a semiconductorlaser shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the sequence for forming a format imageaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the sequence for selecting a format sheetimage by a sequence controller shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the sequence for suspending the copyingof image of the format sheet by the sequence controller shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the sequence of a first embodiment forprohibiting the removal of the IC card by the sequence controller shownin FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the sequence of a second embodiment forprohibiting the removal of the IC card by the sequence controller shownin FIG. 6; and

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views of an image scanner showing anexample of an image input unit shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus embodyingthe present invention, composed principally of a main body A of thecopying machine, a pedestal unit B, an editor unit C, an IC card unit D,an administration unit E and an image input unit F. The units B-F arearbitrarily connectable to the main body A.

In the main body A, a system controller (sequence controller 1 iscomposed of a CPU serving as a controller for controlling said unitsA-F, a ROM, a RAM, an interface etc. and serves also as imaging controlmeans for the present invention.

An original support glass 2 supports the original document in a flatstate. An illuminating lamp (exposure lamp) 3 is used for illuminatingthe original document placed on the original support glass. Scanningmirrors 4-6 are used for deflecting the path of the light reflected fromthe original illuminated by the exposure lamp 3. The illuminating lamp 3and the mirror 4 constitute an integral unit movable in the scanning orreading operation of the original.

A lens 7 regulates the path length and the focus state of the reflectedlight deflected by the scanning mirror 6. The lens 7 is placed at asuitable position, between the broken-lined positions, corresponding tothe image magnification instructed by the operation unit to be explainedlater.

A scanning mirror 8 deflects the light reflected from the original andprojected through the lens 7, toward a photosensitive member 17. Anoptical system motor 9 moves the scanning unit with a constant speedcorresponding to the image magnification. An image front sensor 10detects the moving state of the scanning unit and transmits it to thesequence controller 1 serving as the imaging control means of thepresent invention. A semiconductor laser 13 is on/off modulatedaccording to the format image data, to be read by the sequencecontroller 1 from an IC card constituting the external memory means ofthe present invention and inserted in the IC card unit d, and the lightfrom the laser is deflected by a polygon mirror 14 rotated at a constantspeed by a scanner motor 15 and then by a mirror 16 to form a formatimage on the photosensitive member 17. The above-mentioned components13-16 constitute a laser unit, serving as imaging writing means of thepresent invention. A main motor 18 is used for rotating thephotosensitive member 17 in a direction indicated by an arrow, in aconstant speed. A high voltage unit 19 charges the photosensitive member17 at a potential for forming a latent image. A developing unit 20develops the original image and the format image formed on thephotosensitive member 17 with developing material (toner) supplied froma toner hopper.

A transfer charger 21 transfers or record the developed image, formed onthe photosensitive member 17, onto a transported recording sheet. Aseparating charger 22 separates the recording sheet, after the imagetransfer, from the photosensitive member 17. A cleaner device 23recovers the toner remaining on the photosensitive member 17.

An upper cassette 24a is provided for supplying the main body A with therecording sheet by means of a sheet feed roller 25. A lower cassette 24bis provided for supplying the main body A with the recording sheet bymeans of a sheet feed roller 26. Registration rollers 27 aligns thefront end of the image formed on the photosensitive member 17 with thefront end of the supplied recording sheet, by advancing the stoppedrecording sheet to the main body A at a predetermined timing. A conveyorbelt 28 transports the recording sheet, after the image transfer, to afixing unit 29, which fixes the image on the recording sheet transportedthereto, by means of heat and pressure.

In the following there will be explained the function of the main bodyA.

The photosensitive member 17 is provided on its surface with a seamlessphotosensitive member composed of a photoconductive layer and aconductive layer, and is rotatably supported. It starts rotation at aconstant speed in a direction indicated by arrow, by an means of themain motor 18 activated in response to the actuation of a copy start keyto be explained later. Then, after predetermined rotation control andpotential control for the photosensitive member 17, the originaldocument placed on the original support glass 2 is illuminated by thescanning unit composed of the scanning mirror 4 and the illuminatinglamp 3 integral therewith, and the reflected light is focused, throughthe scanning mirrors 4-6, lens 7 and mirror 8, onto the photosensitivemember 17. The photosensitive member 17 is in advance corona charged bythe high voltage unit 19, and is then subjected to the slit exposure ofthe light reflected from the original illuminated by the lamp 3, therebyforming an electrostatic latent image according to a knownelectrophotographic process.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 17 isdeveloped, by a developing roller 20a in the developing unit 20, into avisible toner image, which is then transferred onto the recording sheetby the transfer charger as will be explained later. The recording sheetstored in the upper cassette 24a or the lower cassette 24b is fed intothe main body by the feed roller 25 or 26, and is advanced toward thephotosensitive member 17 with an exact timing with the registrationrollers 27 whereby the front end of the latent image is aligned withthat or the recording sheet. Thereafter, the toner image on thephotosensitive member 17 is transferred onto the recording sheet when itpasses between the transfer charger 21 and the photosensitive member 17.After said image transfer step, the recording sheet is separated fromthe photosensitive member 17 by the separating charger 22, thentransported to the fixing unit 29 by the conveyor belt 28, anddischarged from the main body A by discharge rollers 44.

After the image transfer, the photosensitive member 17 continuesrotation to enter a post-rotation step, and its surface is cleaned bythe cleaner unit 23 consisting of a cleaning roller and an elasticblade, whereby the remaining toner is recovered.

In the pedestal unit B, a paper deck 31 can store, for example, 2000recording sheets. An intermediate tray 32 stores the recording sheetsafter image formation, with the image bearing face thereof upwards incase of two-side copying, or with the image bearing face thereofdownwards in case of multiple copying. A lifter 33 gradually lifts thestacked sheets, according to the quantity thereof, in such a manner thatthe uppermost recording sheet is in contact with a sheet feed roller 34.

A discharge flapper 35 diverts the recording sheet, transported by thetransport rollers 30, either to a path for two-side recording ormultiple recording, or to a discharge path. In case the path fortwo-side or multiple recording is selected, the sheet passes transportpaths 36, 37. An intermediate tray weight 38 serves to invert therecording sheet which has passed the discharge flapper 35 and transportpaths 36, 37, before storage into the intermediate tray 32.

A multiple copying flapper 39 for selecting the sheet path for two-sidecopying or that for multiple copying, is positioned between thetransport path 36 and 37, and guides the sheet to a transport path 40for multiple copying when rotated upwards. A multiple copying dischargesensor 41 detects the rear end of the recording sheet passing throughthe multiple copying flapper 39 and informs the system controller 1 ofthe detection. A sheet feed roller 42 feeds the recording sheet towardthe photosensitive member 17 through a path 43. Discharge rollers 44discharge the recording sheet, after image formation, from the pedestalB. A discharged sheet tray 45 receives the recording sheets after imageformation.

In the following there will be explained the function of the pedestalunit B.

In the two-side copying or multiple copying, the discharge flapper 35 ofthe pedestal unit B is lifted, whereby the recording sheet, afterformation, is stored in the intermediate tray 32 through the transportpaths 36, 37. The multiple copying flapper 39 is lowered or liftedrespectively in the two-side copying or in the multiple copying. Theintermediate tray 32 can store, for example, 99 recording sheets atmaximum. The sheets stacked on the intermediate tray 32 are pressed downby the intermediate tray weight 38.

In the succeeding recording operations on the rear side of the sheets,or in the multiple copying operations, the recording sheets stacked onthe intermediate tray 32 are fed, one by one, from the bottom, andguided to the registration rollers 27 in the main body A by means of thesheet feed rollers 42 and the intermediate tray weight 38.

In the following there will be given an explanation on the editor unitC, with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the editor unit C shown in FIG. 1. There areshown a digitizer 51 for setting an original and entering thecoordinates in area designation, character add-on or input ofhandwritten patterns; a reference mark 52 designating the end positionof the original; a stylus pen 53 for pressing the digitizer 51 therebyentering the coordinates in case of area designation, character add-onor input of handwritten patterns; an input information area 54 forentering characters of alphabets, numerals, symbols, date informationetc. shown in the area into the system controller 1 by means of thestylus pen 53; an area mode key 55 for instructing an area designationmode to the system controller 1; a memory key for storing an areadesignated by the stylus pen 53, for example a rectangular area definedby two diagonal points; a mode key 57 for trimming or masking an areadesignated by the stylus pen 53; a clear key 58 for clearing the areainformation stored in an internal memory of the system controller 1,thereby cancelling the area designation; an area designation modeindicator 59 to be lighted when the key 55 is depressed; area storagenumber indicators 60 to be lighted in succession at each depression ofthe stylus pen 53 or the memory key 56, all being lighted for example ifthree area information are stored; and a mode indicator 61 forcyclically indicating the masking mode or trimming mode at eachdepression of the mode key 57.

There are also shown an add-on mode key 62 to be depressed in case ofadding characters to an image, thereby informing the system controller 1of the add-on mode; a font size key 63 for selecting the size ofcharacters to be added, for example 4 mm or 8 mm; a directiondesignation key 64 for instructing, to the system controller 1, thedirection of characters to be written, either parallel or perpendicularto the advancing direction of the recording sheet; a character positiondesignation key 65 for instructing the writing start position ofcharacters to the system controller 1; an enter key 66 for instructingthe end of character writing to the system controller 1; a characterclear key 67 for instructing the clearing of entered characterinformation to the system controller 1; a character input indicator 68to be lighted when the add-on mode key 62 is depressed, therebyinforming the operator of the character input mode; and font sizeindicators 69 to be alternately lighted in response to the depressionsof the font size key 63 thereby indicating the selected font size.

There are further provided writing direction indicators 70 to hiealternately lighted in response to the depressions of the directiondesignation key 64, thereby indicating the designated writing direction;a position input end indicator 71 to be lighted in response to thedepression of the enter key 66, thereby indicating the end of positioninput; and a handwriting input mode key 72 for instructing a handwritinginput mode to the system controller 1 and also turning on an indicator75 for informing the operator of the mode.

An enter key 73 instructs the end of the handwriting input mode to thesystem controller 1. A handwriting mode clear key 74 clears the mode.

In the following discussion, there will be explained the structure ofthe IC card unit D shown in FIG. 1, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B,which are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view ofthe unit D.

An IC card 84 is inserted into a card slot 81. The IC card 81 iscomposed of semiconductor integrated circuits, such as CPU, RAM and ROM,on a substrate such as a plastic card. The IC card, constitutingexternal memory means, and stores format sheet image (data of linesconsisting of "1" and "0") in one or plural forms (format sheet imagesof different sizes). Also the IC card 84 stores division codes forprohibiting the copying of the format sheet images, and if one of thedivision codes coincides with the division code of a magnetic card to beexplained later, the copying of the format sheet image is prohibited bythe sequence controller 1 according to a flow chart to be explainedlater.

There are also shown a card eject button 82 to be depressed for ejectingthe inserted IC card 84; an indicator 83 to be lighted or extinguishedrespectively when the IC card 84 is inserted or ejected; card positionsensors 85, 86 for respectively detecting the insertion of the IC card84 and the completion of insertion thereof and informing the sequencecontroller 1 of the detection; a connector 87 for connection with themain body A; contacts 88 for contacting the ports of the IC card 84; anda transport motor 89 to be activated forward when the insertion of theIC card 84 is detected by the card position sensor 85 thereby loadingthe IC card and stopped when the IC card 84 is detected by the cardposition sensor 86, and to be reversed in response to the actuation ofthe card eject button 82 to extract the card, and stopped when the cardposition sensor 85 becomes unable to detect the IC card 84.

In the following discussion, there will be given an explanation on thestructure of the administration unit E shown in FIG. 1, with referenceto FIGS. 4A to 4C, which are respectively a perspective view, across-sectional view and a block diagram thereof.

There are shown a card slot 91 for accepting a magnetic card 94; a cardeject button 92 to be depressed for ejecting the inserted magnetic card;an indicator 93 to be lighted or extinguished respectively when themagnetic card 94 is inserted or extracted; card position sensors 95, 96for respectively detecting the insertion of the magnetic card 94 and thecompletion of the insertion and informing the sequence controller 1 ofthe detection; a connector 97 for connection with the main body A; amagnetic head 98 for reading the data (division code) recorded on themagnetic card 94 or writing the division data released from the sequencecontroller 1; a card transport motor 99 to be activated forward to loadthe magnetic card when the insertion thereof is detected by the cardposition sensor 95, and stopped when the card is detected by the sensor96, or to be reversed to extract the magnetic card 94 in response to theactuation of the card eject button 92, and stopped when the sensor 95becomes unable to detect the magnetic card 94; and a control unit 100composed of a CPU 100a, a ROM 100b, a RAM 100c, interface units 100d,100e etc. the CPU 100a controls various units according to a controlsequence (control program) stored in advance in the ROM 100b. The RAM100c functions as a work memory for the CPU 100a and temporarily storesthe input data. The interface 100d transmits the control signals fromthe CPU 100a to the card transport motor 99, indicator 93 and otherloads, and also transmits the detection signals from the card positionsensors 95, 96 to the CPU 100a. The interface (I/O) 100e supplies themagnetic head 98 with write signals, and transmits the data read by themagnetic head 98 to the CPU 100a.

The CPU 100a discriminates the data read, through the interface 100e,from the magnetic card 94 inserted in the slot 91 of the administrationunit E, and, if the data are a division code, the CPU 100a sends a copyenable signal to the sequence controller 1 of the main body A andcontrols the number of copies. Also, if an upper limit copy number isdetermined, it discriminates whether the number has been exceeded, and,when the upper limit number is exceeded, it sends a copy disable signalto the sequence controller 1 of the main body A. If the data read fromthe magnetic card 94 are not the division code but code informationindicating a function, the CPU 100a executes a process necessary for thefunction as will be explained later in detail. If the data read from themagnetic card 94 are a predetermined division code, there isdiscriminated whether it corresponds to one of the division codes forwhich the copying of the format sheet image stored in the IC card 84 isforbidden, and the copying is prohibited according to a flow chart to beexplained later.

In the following there will be given an explanation on the operationunit of the main body A shown in FIG. 1, while making reference to FIG.5.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the operation unit of the main body 1 shown inFIG. 1, wherein shown are an asterisk "*" key 111 to be depressed for amode of setting the binding margin or a mode of setting the size oferasing the frames in the original, or for selecting a desired formatinformation from the IC card; and an all reset key 112 for restoring astandard mode (same size, automatic density control, automatic sheetfeeding, and copy number "1") from any mode; a pre-heating key 113 forstarting pre-heating or cancelling pre-heating of the print engine inthe main body A. It is also used for restoring the standard mode from anautomatic shut-off state.

A copy start key 114 is used for starting a copying operation. Aclear/stop key 115 functions as a clear key during the stand-by state,or as a copy stop key during the copying operation. Key 115 can also beused for clearing the entered copy number or cancelling the asteriskmode. It is also used for interrupting a continuous copying operation,which is interrupted after the completion of a copying cycle in progressat the actuation of the key.

There are also provided numeral keys 116 for setting the number ofcopies or for setting the asterisk mode; a memory key 117 forregistering a mode frequently used by the operator; copy density keys118a, 118b for manually regulating the copy density; and an automaticdensity regulating (automatic exposure) key 119 for selecting a mode ofautomatically regulating the copy density according to the originaldensity or a mode of manual density control instead of the automaticdensity control mode.

A cassette selecting key 120 is used for sheet supply from the uppercassette 24a, lower cassette 24b or a paper deck 31. Also if thecassette selecting key 120 is depressed when an original is placed onthe editor unit C, there is set an automatic paper cassette selection(APS) mode in which automatically selected is a cassette containingsheets of a size matching that of the original.

There are further provided a same size key 121 for obtaining a copy samein size as the original; an automatic size variation key 122 forautomatically enlarging or reducing the image of the original accordingto the size of the selected recording sheet; zoom keys 123, 124 forarbitrarily selecting the image magnification within a range from 64 to142% with respect to the size of the original, or for selecting adesired format image stored in the IC card; fixed magnification keys125, 126 for selecting predetermined image sizes; a two-side key 127 tobe used in case of making a two-side copy from a one-side original, atwo-side copy from a two-side original or a one-side copy from atwo-side original; a binding margin key 128 for forming a binding marginof a predetermined size at the left side of the recording sheet; and amultiple key 130 for forming images of two originals on a same side ofthe recording sheet.

An original frame erasing key 131 is to be depressed in case of erasingthe frame of the original of predetermined sizes, and, in such case, theoriginal size is selected by the asterisk key 111. A sheet frame erasingkey 132 is used for erasing the frame of the original according to thesize of the cassette size. A page continuous copy key 133 is used forcopying the left and right pages of the original respectively ondifferent sheets.

A liquid crystal message display 140 is capable of displaying a messageof 40 characters at maximum, each character being composed of 5×7 dots.Display 140 is composed of a semi-transparent liquid crystal displaywith two-colored rear illumination, which is green in the normal statebut becomes orange in case of an abnormality or in a copy disabledstate. An image magnification indicator 141 shows the copymagnification, selected by the zoom keys 123, 124, in percentage. A samesize indicator 142 is lighted when same size copying is selected. Acolor development indicator 143 is lighted when a sepia developing unitis loaded. A copy number indicator 144 indicates the number of copies orself diagnosis codes. A cassette indicator 145 indicates whether theupper cassette 24a, lower cassette 24b or paper deck 31 is selected.

There are further provided an original direction indicator 146 forsetting direction (longitudinal or transversal ) of the original; an AEindicator 147 to be lighted when the automatic density control (AE) isselected by the AE key 119; a preheating indicator 148 to be lightedduring the preheating state but to be turned off in the automaticshut-off state; a ready/wait indicator 149 consisting of a green/orangetwo-color LED which is lighted green in the ready (copy enabled) statebut orange in the waiting (copy disabled) state; and a two-sideindicator 150 when two-side copying from a two-side original or two-sidecopying from a one-side original is selected.

In the standard mode, there are selected conditions of one copy,automatic density control mode, automatic sheet selection, same sizecopying, and one-side copying from a one-side original.

In the following there will be given an explanation on the structure ofthe system controller 1 shown in FIG. 1, with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the system controller shown in FIG. 1,wherein the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 arerepresented by the same numbers.

In FIG. 6 there are shown a CPU 1a composed, for example, of μCOM87ADmanufactured by Nippon Electric Co. Ltd. and controls various unitsaccording to control programs stored in a ROM 1b; a RAM 1c constitutinga main memory and functioning as a memory for the input data and as awork memory area; an output interface 1d composed for example of aninput/output port μPD8255 manufactured by Nippon Electric Co., Ltd. andsending control signals from the CPU 1a to loads such as the main motor18; an input interface 1e composed for example of an input/output portμPD8255 manufactured by Nippon Electric Co., Ltd. and sending detectionsignals from the sensors to the CPU 1a; and an interface circuit ifcomposed for example of an input/output port μPD8255 manufactured byNippon Electric Co., Ltd. for input/output control of the displays DS,keys K of the operation unit shown in FIG. 5.

The displays DS collectively includes the indicators composed of LED'sand LCD's shown in FIG. 5. The keys K correspond to those shown in FIG.5, and the depressed key is identified by the CPU 1a by a known keymatrix.

A laser driver 1g releases drive signals for the semiconductor laser 13and the scanner motor 15 in response to drive control signals from theCPU 1a. A registration clutch 27a for driving the registration motor 27shown in FIG. 1. A pedestal sensor S corresponds to the sensoring thepedestal unit B.

In the following there is explained an image writing/erasing operationby image writing means of the present invention, while making referenceto FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the function of the semiconductorlaser 13 shown in FIG. 1, wherein the same components as those in FIGS.1 and 6 are represented by the same numbers.

A collimating lens 151 converts the laser beam from the semiconductorlaser 13 into a parallel beam. A cylindrical lens 152 adjusts theoptical axis of the laser beam from the collimating lens in such amanner that it becomes parallel, on a scanning mirror 16, to the axis ofthe photosensitive member 17. An imaging lens 153 regulates the laserbeam deflected by the polygon mirror 14 at a constant speed on thephotosensitive member 17.

The format sheet image data stored in the IC card 84 inserted into theIC card unit D are fetched by the CPU 1a into the RAM 1c, and a videosignal VD corresponding to the data is supplied to the laser driver 1g.In response the laser driver 1g releases a laser drive signal LD fordriving the semi-conductor laser 13, which emits the laser beam on/offmodulated by the signal LD. The emitted laser beam is converted into aparallel beam by the collimating lens 151, and further converted into alinear trajectory parallel, on the scanning mirror 16, to the axis ofthe drum. The laser beam is then deflected by the polygon mirror 14rotated at a constant speed, transmitted through the imaging lens 153and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 17.

As the electrostatic latent image can be made in an arbitrary positionon the photosensitive member 17 with a high precision, for example of 4pel (4 dots/mm) in the present embodiment under the control with thevideo signal VD released from the CPU 1a, the format sheet image storedin the RAM 1c can be reproduced on the recording sheet when required.

In the following discussion, there will be explained the operation ofreading the format sheet image from the IC card 84.

The IC card 84 stores image data constituting format sheet imagesconsisting of table lines, logos etc., and, when the IC card 84 isinserted into the slot 81 of the IC card unit D, said the image data areread line by line and developed on the RAM 1c of the sequence controller1.

In the following discussion, there will be explained a format imageforming operation of the present invention, while making reference toFIG. 8 showing a flow chart of the operation, wherein (1) to (10) arecontrol steps.

Dot information corresponding to a first scanning line is read from theIC card 84 and developed in the RAM 1c, and an address counter is set atthe first address (1). Then a signal for activating the registrationrollers 27 is released, and the timing of vertical synchronization (inthe advancing direction of sheet) is awaited (2). After the verticalsynchronization is achieved, there is awaited the horizontalsynchronization (in the scanning direction) by the detection of thelaser beam with an unrepresented beam detector (3). Then there isdiscriminated whether the content of the address indicated by theaddress counter is "1" (black dot) (4), and, if it is "1", the videosignal VD from the CPU 1a is turned off (5). Then a black latent imageis formed on the photosensitive member 17, and the sequence proceeds toa step (7). On the other hand, if it is not "1", the video signal VDfrom the CPU 1a is turned on (6) to form a white latent image on thephotosensitive member 17.

Then the content of the address counter (not shown) is increased by one(7), and there is discriminated whether a scanning line has beencompleted (8). If not, the sequence returns to the step (3). Ifcompleted, the dot information of a next scanning line is read from theIC card 84 and developed in the RAM 1c, and the address counter is setat the first address of the scanning line (9). Then there isdiscriminated whether the vertical scanning has been completed (10),and, if not, the sequence returns to the step (2), but, if completed,the sequence is terminated. Thereafter the formation of the format sheetimage is enabled under the control of the CPU 1a, and is executed by aknown electrophotographic process.

In the following discussion, there will be explained an operation forselecting the format sheet image, by the sequence controller 1 shown inFIG. 1, with reference to FIG. 9 which is a flow chart thereof, wherein(1) to (12) indicate process steps.

At first there is awaited the depression of the asterisk key 111 (1),and the format sheet image selecting mode is assumed in response to suchdepression. Then there is awaited the actuation of the numeral keys 116(2), and, in response to such actuation, the title of the format sheetimage (plural images being stored in the IC card 84) instructed by thenumeral key 116 is displayed on the display 140 shown in FIG. 5.

Then there is discriminated whether the asterisk key 111 has beendepressed, and, if depressed, the sequence proceeds to a step (6) fordeveloping the selected format sheet image on the RAM 1c. If theasterisk key 111 has not been depressed, there is discriminated whetherthe zoom key 123 or 124 has been depressed (15), and, if not depressed,the sequence returns to a step (13). On the other hand, if depressed,the sequence proceeds to a step (3) for discriminating whether the zoomkey 123 has been depressed, and, if depressed, the title of the formatsheet image of the back row stored in the IC card 84 are shown on thedisplay 140 (4).

Then there is discriminated whether the asterisk key 111 has beendepressed (5), and, if depressed, the selected format sheet image isdeveloped on the RAM 1c (6) and the sequence is terminated.

On the other hand, if the discrimination in the step (5) turns outnegative, indicating that the zoom key 124 has been depressed, theaddress of the area of the format sheet images stored in the IC card 84is stepped back (7), Then the title of the format sheet image at suchstepped-back address is shown on the display 140 (8), and the sequencereturns to the step (5).

On the other hand, if the discrimination in the step (3) turns outnegative, the title of the format sheet image in the front row is shownon the display 140 (9).

Then there is discriminated whether the asterisk key 111 has beendepressed (10), and, if depressed, the sequence returns to the step (6),but, if not depressed, the address of the area of the format sheetimages stored in the IC card 84 is advanced by a step (11), then thetitle of the format sheet image at the advanced address is shown on thedisplay 140 (12) and the sequence returned to the step (10).

Thereafter the format sheet image is formed according to theabove-explained procedure. In this manner it is rendered possible toselect format images from a single IC card 84 by storing plural formatsheet images therein.

In case of synthesizing such format image stored in the IC card 84 withan arbitrary original image on a same face or different faces of therecording sheet, the operator selects the multiple mode or the two-sidemode by the key 130 or 127. Then the format sheet image selecting modeis selected by the asterisk key 111, then a desired format sheet imageis selected with the numeral keys, and the copy start key 114 isdepressed. Thus the format information is read from the IC card 84 asexplained before and copied by the laser 13 on a desired number ofsheets, which are temporarily stored in the intermediate tray 32. Thenthe operator places an original to be synthesized on the originalsupport glass 2 and depresses the copy start key 114 again, whereby thecopying operation for the original is initiated with the scanning unit.The sheets stored in the intermediate tray 32 are fed again, thensubjected to the copying of the image of the original on the same sideor different sides of the sheets, and are finally discharged onto thetray 45.

In this manner it is made possible to synthesize the format image storedin the IC card 84 with an arbitrary original image.

Now reference is made to FIG. 10 for explaining the operation ofprohibiting the copy of the format sheet image by the sequencecontroller 1 shown in FIG. 1.

In the present embodiment the IC card 84 also stores the division codesfor which the reading and copying of the format image are prohibited,and such reading and copying are prohibited in case the division coderead from the magnetic card coincides with one of the division codesstored in the IC card 84.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the sequence of prohibiting the copyingof the format sheet image by the sequence controller 1 shown in FIG. 1,wherein (1) to (7) indicate process steps.

At first there is awaited the depression of the asterisk key 111 (1),and the format sheet image selecting mode is assumed in response to suchdepression. Then awaited is the depression of the numeral key 116 (2),and, in response to such depression, the division code stored in themagnetic card 94 inserted in the administration unit E is read (3) andwritten in the work area of the RAM 1c. Then there is awaited thecompletion of reading of the division codes, from the IC card 84, forwhich the copying of the format sheet image is prohibited (4), and, uponcompletion of such reading, there is discriminated whether the divisioncode read from the magnetic card 94 coincides with one of the prohibiteddivision codes stored in the IC card 84 (5). In case of coincidence, thesequence is terminated without the development of the selected formatsheet image on the RAM.

On the other hand, in case of absence of coincidence in thediscrimination of the step (5), the title of the selected format sheetimage is shown on the display 140 (6), then the format sheet image isdeveloped on the RAM 1c of the sequence controller 1 (7) and thesequence is terminated.

In this manner it is rendered possible to limit the copying of theformat sheet image to certain divisions, thereby preventing erroneouspreparation of the format sheets.

Now reference is made to FIGS. 11 and 12 for explaining an operation forprohibiting the extraction of the IC card 84 by the sequence controller1 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a first embodiment of the sequence ofprohibiting the extraction of the IC card 84 by the sequence controller1 shown in FIG. 6, wherein (1) to (7)-indicate process steps.

At first there is awaited the insertion of the IC card 84 into the ICcard unit D connectable to the main body A (1), and, upon suchinsertion, the CPU 1a sends a card extraction disable signal to the ICcard unit D (2). Then the format sheet image data stored in the IC card84 are read and developed on the RAM 1c (3).

Then there is awaited the insertion, into the administration unit E, ofa card, for example the magnetic card 94, storing code informationenabling the extraction of the IC card 84 (4), and, upon such insertion,the CPU 1a cancels the card extraction disable signal supplied to the ICcard unit D (5). Then there is awaited the depression of the card ejectbutton 82 (6), and, in response to such depression the IC card 84 isejected (7).

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the IC cardextraction prohibiting sequence, wherein (1) to (7) indicate processsteps.

At first there is awaited the insertion of the IC card 84 into the ICcard unit D connectable to the main body A (1), and, upon suchinsertion, there is awaited the insertion of the magnetic card 94 intothe administration unit E (2). In response to such insertion, the CPU 1asends a card extraction disable signal to the IC card unit D (3). Thenthe data of the format sheet image stored in the IC card 84 are read anddeveloped on the RAM 1c.

Subsequently there is awaited the ejection of the magnetic card 94inserted into the administration unit E (4), and, in response to suchejection, the CPU 1a cancels the card extraction disable signal suppliedto the IC card unit D (5). Then awaited is the depression of the cardejection button 82 (6), and, in response to such depression, the IC card84 is ejected (7).

In the following there will be explained the structure of the imageinput unit F shown in FIG. 1, with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B. Inthe present embodiment a desired original image can be read for examplewith an image scanner and the obtained data can be stored in the IC card

FIGS. 13A and 13B are respectively an external perspective view and aview showing the internal structure, showing an example of the imagescanner in the image input unit F shown in FIG. 1.

In these drawings, an original support glass 200 supports a format sheetoriginal (not shown) in a predetermined position, and such original ismaintained in position by a pressure plate 200a. A scanning start switch201 is used for instructing, to the CPU 1a of the system controller 1,the start of scanning of the format sheet original. An illuminating lamp202 illuminates the format sheet original placed on the glass 200.Scanning mirrors 203-205 guide the light, reflected from the original,to an imaging lens 206. An image sensor 207, composed for example of aCCD, converts the image of the original, focused by the imaging lens206, into electrical signals (analog image signals). An A/D converter208 converts the electrical signals, from the image sensor 207, intodigital signals for supply to the CPU 1a.

When the scanning start switch 201 is depressed, an optical scanningunit consisting of the illuminating lamp 202 and the scanning mirror 203integral therewith starts the scanning of the original, and thereflected light is guided through the mirrors 203-205 to the imaginglens 206 and focused on the image sensor 207. The charges accumulated inthe light sensors in the CCD constituting the image sensor 207 are insuccession converted into analog voltage signals, which are supplied tothe A/D converter 208 connected thereto. The A/D converter 208 convertsthe analog electrical signals, sent in succession from the image sensor207, into digital signals corresponding to the image density, for supplyto the CPU 1a of the sequence controller 1. The CPU 1a writes thedigital signals, in succession, into the IC card 84 inserted into the ICcard unit D, either directly or through the RAM 1c and insynchronization with unrepresented clock signals. As explained before,the IC card 84 can store plural format sheet original images enteredfrom the image scanner, and a desired format image can be read andreproduced at any time, as explained before.

In the foregoing embodiments the image writing means is composed of alaser unit and is utilized for writing the format sheet image data,stored in the IC card 84, on the photosensitive member 17, but the imagewriting means may also be composed of an LED array, a liquid crystalshutter, an ink jet printer, a thermal printer or the like.

Also in the foregoing embodiments, the external memory means is composedof the IC card 84, but it may also be composed of other memory mediasuch as a memory card, a magnetic memory or a laser card.

Also in the foregoing embodiments, the format sheet image data stored inthe IC card 84 are developed, line by line, on the RAM 1c, but it isalso possible to develop the data, in the unit of a format, or totransfer the data directly from the IC card 84 to the laser driver 1gwithout using the RAM 1c.

Furthermore, in the foregoing embodiments, the format sheet image isprocessed in the form of dot information, but it may also be processedin the form of character information.

Furthermore, in the foregoing embodiments, the information of the formatsheet original is entered from the image scanner and stored in the ICcard 84, but it is also possible to incorporate the image input unit Fin the main body A, or to store the format sheet data, prepared by aword processor, in the IC card 84.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus, comprising:areception unit for receiving therein an external memory medium storingimage data representing a plurality of images; input/output means forinputting/outputting data in/from the external memory medium received insaid reception unit; reading means for reading an original, and foroutputting image data in accordance with the original; control means forcontrolling storing in the external memory of image data outputted fromsaid reading means, and for controlling reading out of stored image datafrom the external memory medium; exposing means for exposing anoriginal; operation means; display means for displaying informationconcerning image data to be selected so as to select at least one datafrom the data representing a plurality of images stored in the externalmemory medium, said display means displaying the information concerningimage data to be selected, changed for each actuation of said operationmeans; selection means for selecting at least one image from the datarepresenting a plurality of images stored in the external memory medium;and recording means for recording on one sheet both an image of theoriginal exposed by said exposing means and the image selected by saidselection means.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidreception unit receives an integrated circuit card comprising asemiconductor memory.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidrecording means records on one side of the sheet both an image of theoriginal exposed by said exposing means and an image based on the imagedata stored in said external memory medium.
 4. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said recording means records on different sides of thesheet both an image of the original exposed by said exposing means andan image based on the image data stored in said external memory medium,respectively.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidrecording means comprises a first recording unit for recording on thesheet an image of an original exposed by said exposing means and asecond recording unit for recording on the sheet an image based on theimage data stored in a said external memory medium.
 6. An image formingapparatus, comprising:a first reception unit for receiving therein afirst external memory medium storing image data and identification data;input/output means for inputting/outputting data in/from the firstexternal memory medium received in said first reception unit; readingmeans for reading an original, and for outputting image data inaccordance with the original; control means adapted for controllingstoring in the first external memory of image data outputted from saidreading means, and for controlling reading out of image data from thefirst external memory medium; exposing means for exposing an original;recording means for recording on one sheet both an image of the originalexposed by said exposing means and an image based on the image datastored in the first external memory medium; a second reception unit forreceiving therein a second external memory medium storing identificationdata; and input means for inputting data from the second external memorymedium received in said second reception unit, wherein said controlmeans prevents reading-out of image data from the first external memorymedium when the identification data stored in the second external memorymedium corresponds to the identification data stored in the firstexternal memory medium.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, whereinsaid reception unit receives an integrated circuit card comprising asemiconductor memory.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein saidrecording means records both an image of the original exposed by saidexposing means and an image based on the image data stored in theexternal memory medium on one side of the sheet.
 9. An apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein said recording means records both an imageof the original exposed by said exposing means and an image based on theimage data stored in the external memory medium, respectively ondifferent sides of the sheet.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 6,wherein said recording means comprises a first recording unit forrecording on the sheet an image of an original exposed by said exposingmeans and a second recording unit for recording on the sheet an imagebased on the image data stored in a said external memory medium.
 11. Animage forming apparatus, comprising:a reception unit for receivingtherein an external memory medium storing image data; input/output meansfor inputting/outputting data in/from the external memory mediumreceived in said reception unit; reading means for reading an original,and for outputting image data in accordance with the original; controlmeans adapted for controlling storing in the external memory of imagedata outputted from said reading means, and for controlling reading outof image data from the external memory medium; exposing means forexposing an original; and recording means for recording on one sheetboth an image of the original exposed by said exposing means and animage based on the image data stored in said external memory medium,wherein said recording means records on different sides of the sheetboth an image of the original exposed by said exposing means and animage based on the image data stored in said external memory medium,respectively.
 12. An image forming apparatus, comprising:a receptionunit for receiving therein an external memory medium storing image datarepresenting a plurality of images; input/output means forinputting/outputting data in/from the external memory medium received insaid reception unit; reading means for reading an original, and foroutputting image data in accordance with the original; control means forcontrolling storing in the external memory of image data outputted fromsaid reading means, and for controlling reading out of stored image datafrom the external memory medium; exposing means for exposing anoriginal; operation means; display means for displaying a title of eachimage data so as to select at least one data from the data representinga plurality of images stored in the external memory medium; selectionmeans for selecting at least one image from the date representing aplurality of images stored in the external memory medium, wherein animage to be selected by said selection means is changed to a next imageupon actuation of said operation means; and recording means forrecording on one sheet both an image of the original exposed by saidexposing means and the image selected by said selection means.
 13. Anapparatus according to claim 12, wherein said operation means comprisesa plurality of keys, wherein when one of said plurality of keys isdepressed, images to be selected are shifted forward, and when anotherof said plurality of keys is depressed, the images to be selected areshifted backward.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein saiddisplay means displays titles one by one.
 15. An image processing methodcomprising the steps of:reading an original and generating image data inaccordance with the read original; storing the generated image data inan external memory medium; reading out stored image data from theexternal memory medium; exposing a second original; displayinginformation concerning an image to be selected so as to select at leastone of the data representing a plurality of images stored in theexternal memory medium; selecting at least one image from the datarepresenting a plurality of images stored in the external memory medium;and recording on one sheet both an image of the exposed second originaland the selected image, wherein in said displaying step, the informationconcerning the image to be selected, changed for each actuation of anoperation means, is displayed.
 16. A method according to claim 15,further comprising a step of recording an integrated circuit cardcomprising a semiconductor memory.
 17. A method according to claim 15,wherein said recording step records on one side of the sheet both animage of the original exposed by said exposing means and an image basedon the image data stored in said external memory medium.
 18. A methodaccording to claim 15, wherein said recording step records on differentsides of the sheet both an image of the original exposed by saidexposing means and an image based on the image data stored in saidexternal memory medium, respectively.
 19. An image processing methodcomprising the steps of:reading an original and generating image data inaccordance with the read original; storing the generated image data inan external memory medium; reading out stored image data from theexternal memory medium; exposing a second original: displaying a titleof each image so as to select at least one of the data representing aplurality of images stored in the external memory medium; selecting atleast one image from the data representing a plurality of images storedin the external memory medium; and recording on one sheet both an imageof the exposed second original and the selected image, wherein an imageto be selected by said selection step is changed into another onewhenever an operation means is actuated.
 20. A method according to claim19, wherein the operation means includes at least two keys, and whereinwhen one key is depressed, images to be selected are shifted forward,and when the other key is depressed, the images to be selected areshifted backward.
 21. A method according to claim 19, wherein saiddisplay step displays the title one by one.
 22. An image processingmethod comprising the steps of:reading out image data from the firstexternal memory medium; exposing an original; recording on one sheetboth an image of the exposed original and an image based on the imagedata stored in the first external memory medium; and inputting data froma second external memory medium, wherein, in said recording step,reading-out of image data from the first external memory medium isprevented when the identification data stored in the second externalmemory medium corresponds to the identification data stored in the firstexternal memory medium.
 23. A method according to claim 22, furthercomprising a step of recording an integrated circuit card comprising asemiconductor memory.
 24. A method according to claim 22, wherein saidrecording step records on one side of the sheet both an image of theoriginal exposed by said exposing means and an image based on the imagedata stored in said external memory medium.
 25. A method according toclaim 22, wherein said recording step records on different sides of thesheet both an image of the original exposed by said exposing means andan image based on the image data stored in said external memory medium,respectively.
 26. An image forming apparatus, comprising:a firstreception unit for receiving therein a first external memory mediumstoring image data and identification data; input means for inputtingdata from the first external memory medium received in said firstreception unit; control means adapted for controlling reading out ofimage data from the first external memory medium; exposing means forexposing an original; recording means for recording on one sheet both animage of an original exposed by said exposing means and an image basedon the image data stored in the first external memory medium; a secondreception unit for receiving therein a second external memory mediumstoring identification data; and input means for inputting data from thesecond external memory medium received in said second reception unit,wherein said control means prevents reading-out of image data from thefirst external memory medium when the identification data stored in thesecond external memory medium corresponds to the identification datastored in the first external memory medium.
 27. An apparatus accordingto claim 26, wherein said reception unit receives an integrated circuitcard comprising a semiconductor memory.
 28. An apparatus according toclaim 26, wherein said recording means records on one side of the sheetboth an image of the original exposed by said exposing means and animage based on the image data stored in said external memory medium. 29.An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said recording means recordson different sides of the sheet both an image of the original exposed bysaid exposing means and an image based on the image data stored in saidexternal memory medium, respectively.
 30. An image processing methodcomprising the steps of:reading an original and generating image data inaccordance with the read original; storing in a first external memory ofimage data; reading out of image data from the first external memorymedium; exposing an original; recording on one sheet both an image ofthe exposed original and an image based on the image data stored in thefirst external memory medium; and inputting data from a second externalmemory medium, wherein said control step prevents reading-out of imagedata from the first external memory medium when the identification datastored in the second external memory medium corresponds to theidentification data stored in the first external memory medium.